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`database 327. Note that the gateway 20 in Figure 4 has the same functionality as the
`
`gateway 20 in Figures 1 through 3, but may be implemented differently. For instance,
`
`since a GPRS may be deployed in other than GSM networks, a SIM card need not be
`
`provided to gateway 20, which instead may simply be outfitted with a cellular transceiver
`
`appropriate to the type of cellular network 100 in which the gateway 20 will be
`
`transmitting messages.
`
`BSC 50 identifies and routes data messages to a support node 60. BSC 50
`
`identifies data messages in a GPRS system because handshake messages from the
`
`gateway 20 inform the base station 52 that the particular transaction is a packet data
`
`transaction. Other methods exist for identifying such transactions, including examining
`
`identifiers placed in the data message by the user toggling certain functions on the
`
`delivery device or by analyzing the message itself.
`
`In any event, data messages from
`
`gateway 20 are assembled by a PAD into packets per the GPRS protocol specification for
`
`delivery to the support node 60. Figure 4 shows Gb and other interfaces that specify
`
`header information and such for allowing various network elements to communicate with
`
`one another. Support node 60 is a SGSN/GGSN (Server GSM Support Node or Gateway
`
`GSM Support Node), such as a Passport carrier grade data platform system available from
`
`Nortel Networks or any other platform suitable for use as a router. Figure 4 shows that
`
`support node 60 packages data messages that arrive from facility 20’s gateway 20 for
`
`delivery over one of many types of networks to a central processor 40 (shown in Figures l
`
`and 2). The delivery network may be an IP network, an X.25 network, or other public
`
`land/mobile networks 62. Network 100 may also deliver messages, queries or commands
`
`from a central processor 40 (or another terminal) to the facility 12 that couples via an
`
`oVer—the—air interface to the base station 30 shown in Figure 4.
`
`To send a message to a particular gateway 20, a user accesses the network 100
`
`through a mobile station or fixed terminal. The user enters the gateway 20’s identifier
`
`and formulates a message. The message, whether sent over a public telephone, via a
`
`workstation 42 as e—mail, or through a mobile cellular handset 32, is sent by the network
`
`100 to the support node 60. Support node 60 reads the identifier and associates the
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`identifier with the BSC 50 that is associated with the destination gateway 20 and routes
`
`the message to that BSC 50, which then broadcasts the message via BTS 30.
`
`Note that as in the SMS implementation, a common message to multiple gateways
`
`20 may be sent over network 100. This is feature may be used to alert gateways 20 to a
`
`particular condition (e.g., weather, etc.) common to the geographical area in which the
`
`gateways are deployed or to send instructions to multiple gateways 20 controlled by a
`
`single user. Messages may be broadcast, for instance, to all gateways 20 with a common
`
`NPN in their identifying phone number. Messages with that NPN may cause the support
`
`node 60 may to do a table look-up and determine the particular gateways associated with
`
`the NPN;
`
`thereafter,
`
`the support node 60 will route the same message to each such
`
`gateway 20 by instructing each BSC 50 to forward the message to each applicable
`
`destination. Of course, skilled persons will recognize other means than a common NPN
`
`for specifying a group of gateways 20 to which a common message may be broadcast.
`
`By using GPRS to transport data messages to and from gateway 20, the network
`
`100 is able to transport messages larger than the 160 bytes allowed in an SMS message.
`
`Also, GPRS enhances wireless services by emphasizing internet protocol (IP) technology
`
`to allow seamless operation with the internet, packet-oriented data services, and inter-
`
`working with legacy wireless systems. For instance, GPRS provides variable data rates
`
`for transmitting messages via the over-the—air interface between wireless device and base
`
`station that range from 11.2 to 22.8 kbps for a single slot allocation. Multi-slot
`
`configurations provide 22.4 to 182.4 kbps data throughput. Future enhancements to
`
`GPRS data rates are expected to provide 69+ kbps bit rate over the air interface, using a
`
`different modulation scheme. Data rates in packet mode are expected in the 45-550 kbps
`
`range.
`
`Collating and Accessing Data at the Central Processor
`
`As described and shown in Figures 1 and 2, central processor 40 receives data from
`
`multiple gateways 20. Central processor 40 has a database for storing information
`
`uploaded via SMS messages or the IWF protocol. The stored information may be collated
`
`and organized according to customers, facility, etc. Customers may access the database
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`via the communication gateway. For instance, customers may use a workstation 42 to set
`
`up a TCP/IP session via an Internet Protocol (“IP”) communication network, such as
`
`provided by a local Internet Service Provider (“ISP”). Through the intemet connection,
`
`customers can easily view data describing the energy usage of devices at facility 12, as
`
`well as check on the status of various other activities logged into the database at the
`
`central processor 40. Note that customers can set up a TCP/IP session either through a
`
`terminal connected to an ISP, such as workstation 35, or via the communicator 34 that
`
`connects to the internet via a wireless network.
`
`Additionally, while viewing data describing activities at facility 12, the customer
`
`may also input commands to be forwarded to various devices at the facility 12. Central
`processor 40 packages those commands as an SMS message and downloads them to a
`
`particular gateway 20 through the SMSC 38. Although Figures 1 and 2 show central
`
`processor 40 coupled to MSC 36 and SMSC 38 via a PSTN connection, central processor
`
`40 could be co-located with those platforms or communicate with them via a different
`
`communications link. Alternatively, central processor 40 may be provided as part of, or
`
`couple to, a support node 60 so that messages or commands entered by customers may be
`
`formatted as a GPRS packet for transmission over the network 100 that operates a GPRS,
`
`as shown in Figure 4.
`
`An example use of the methods and systems of the present invention is described
`
`as follows. Gateway 20 is programmed to poll each device coupled to it to determine the
`
`device’s energy use. For instance, gateway 20 can be connected to the thermostat,
`
`refrigerator, water heater, and washer/dryer in a particular residential facility as well as to
`
`the general meter for that facility. Gateway 20 polls those devices every hour to
`
`determine their energy use. Gateway 20 then forwards the poll results to the SIM card,
`
`which generates a SMS message containing the poll results as well as the date, time and
`
`location of gateway 20. The SMS message is then transferred from gateway 20 to central
`
`processor 40 via the MSC 36 and SMSC 38. Central processor 40 collates each hourly
`
`message from gateway 20 to form a visual graph depicting overall and individual device
`
`energy usage at facility 12. This allows a customer to access the database coupled to the
`
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`central processor 40 via the intemet and determine the overall energy usage at a particular
`
`facility 12. The customer can then, based on the energy usage trends, input commands to
`
`adjust the thermostat, or turn off one of the devices (such as the washer/dryer or water
`
`heater) coupled to the gateway 20 in order to save energy. Likewise, the user can input
`
`other commands for delivery to the gateway 20. For instance, the user could instruct the
`
`gateway 20 to enable or disenable an alarm system at a particular facility 12 at a particular
`
`time and for a particular time period. The present invention also allows the gateway 20 to
`
`be programmed to copy messages on energy uses or alarm triggers at a particular facility
`
`12 directly to a handset 32 associated with the owner of facility 12. Likewise, gateway 20
`
`can have its normal routine interrupted by a priority data message. For instance,
`
`if
`
`gateway 20 couples to alarm sensors at the facility 12 and one sensor alerts to an intruder,
`
`gateway 20 can be programmed to send a message both to the handset 32 in order to alert
`
`the owner of the facility 12 and to the central processor 40, which processes the message
`
`in order to alert the authorities to the security breech. These are, of course, just two of
`
`many applications for which gateway 20 and the present invention can be used.
`
`The foregoing is provided for purposes of explanation and disclosure of preferred
`
`embodiments of the present invention. For instance, a preferred embodiment of this
`
`invention involves using a GSM network with a short messaging service capability or a
`
`GPRS capable wireless system.
`
`It is expected that such capabilities or their equivalent
`
`will be provided in other standard types of wireless networks, in which case the preferred
`
`embodiment of this invention may be easily adapted for use in such networks. Further
`
`modifications and adaptations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those
`
`skilled in the art -- such as upgrades or modifications to the GSM or GPRS protocols. --
`
`and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention and the
`
`25
`
`following claims.
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`What is claimed is:
`
`PCT/US99/06429
`
`1.
`
`A method for remotely monitoring or controlling activities within multiple
`
`facilities geographically dispersed within at least one wireless network adapted to transmit
`GSM short messages to allow the facilities to communicate with other terminals without
`
`making a wireless telephone call, the method comprising:
`
`(a)
`
`providing the selected facility with a gateway comprising a processor, a
`
`transceiver and a SIM card adapted to transmit short messaging service messages;
`
`(b)
`
`periodically causing the gateway to formulate a short message reporting on
`
`activities within the selected facility at which the gateway is located;
`
`(c)
`
`transmitting the message over the GSM network via a Short Messaging
`
`Center coupled to a Mobile Switching Center within the GSM network; and
`
`(d)
`
`receiving the message at a terminal selected from a group of devices
`
`consisting of a mobile station, a workstation and a central processor.
`
`2.
`A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of controlling
`devices located at a selected facility by formulating a control message and forwarding. it
`
`via the GSM network to the selected facility, wherein the gateway at the facility processes
`
`the control message in order to control one or more devices coupled to the gateway.
`
`3.
`
`A method according to claims 1 or 2 further comprising the step of
`
`collecting multiple messages from the selected facility, storing those messages in a
`
`database associated with a central processor and processing the stored messages at the
`
`central processor to display information concerning activities at the selected facility.
`
`4.
`
`A method according to claim 2 in which the control message is formulated
`
`by a user on a communication device selected from the group consisting of a pager, a
`
`cellular handset, an internet wireless communicator or a workstation.
`
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`5.
`
`A method according to claim 4 further comprising the step of coupling the
`
`central processor to an internet protocol network to allow users to View the displayed
`
`information concerning activities at the selected facility.
`
`6.
`
`A method according to claims 1
`
`to 5 further comprising the step of
`
`monitoring energy uses within the selected facility by periodically polling at least one
`
`device therein.
`
`7.
`
`A method according to claim 6 further comprising the step of aggregating
`
`the periodic polls and uploading the aggregated information to a user’s terminal.
`
`8.
`
`A system for transmitting data to and from multiple gateways deployed in
`
`homes or businesses and capable of collecting data concerning usage or operation of
`
`various devices located in the homes or businesses, the system comprising:
`
`a)
`
`multiple gateways, each adapted to formulate or accept a wireless packet
`
`data transmission;
`
`b)
`
`a base station controller adapted to route data forwarded to the base station
`
`controller via wireless transmission to a support node for formatting the message into a
`
`format selected from the group consisting of internet protocol, X.25 protocol and a data
`
`protocol for transmission over public land or mobile networks; and
`
`c)
`
`9.
`
`a terminal for receiving the formatted messages.
`
`A system according to claim 8 wherein the terminal is a central processor
`
`that collates the formatted messages to describe the conditions within the facility
`
`associated with a selected one of the multiple gateways.
`
`10.
`
`A system according to claim 9 further comprising a workstation for
`
`accessing the formatted messages collated by the central processor.
`
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`11.
`
`A system according to claim 10 wherein the workstation allows entry of
`
`commands to be delivered via the support node to one or groups of the multiple gateways.
`
`12.
`
`A system according to claims 8 to 10 further comprising a mobile station or
`
`a fixed terminal from which a user may formulate and send a message directly to one or
`
`groups of the multiple gateways.
`
`13.
`
`A method for using a wireless network to deliver messages from or to each
`
`of multiple gateways that are deployed in geo graphieal1y—dispersed facilities comprising:
`
`a)
`
`formulating a message for wireless transmission according to an SMS or
`
`GPRS format;
`
`b)
`
`transmitting the message to a network element for identifying that message;
`
`and
`
`c)
`
`transferring the message from the network element to a central processor
`
`for collating the transferred messages with other messages or data related to a selected
`
`gateway.
`
`14.
`
`A method according to claim 13 in which the network element is a Short
`
`Messaging Service Center (“SMSC”).
`
`15.
`
`A method according to claim 14
`
`further comprising the
`
`step of
`
`communicating to the selected gateway by formulating a message and delivering it to the
`
`SMSC and causing the SMSC to forward the message to the selected gateway.
`
`16.
`
`A method according to claim 13 in which the network element is a base
`
`station controller that determines that the message is a GPRS data transmission and routes
`
`the message to a second network element comprising a support node.
`
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`17.
`
`A method according to claim 16
`
`further comprising the step of
`
`communicating to the selected gateway by formulating a message and delivering it to the
`
`support node and causing the support node to forward the message to the selected
`
`gateway.
`
`18.
`
`A method according to any of claims
`
`13 through 17 in which the
`
`transmitting step comprises the step of coupling the network element to an Internet
`
`Protocol network for forwarding the message to the central processor.
`
`19.
`
`A method according to any of claims 13 through 18 in which the
`
`formulating step occurs when a user formulates the message from a mobile station.
`
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`PCT/US99/06429
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`PCT/US99/06429
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`

`
`INTERNNHONALSEARCHREPORT
`
`CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`?PC 6
`H0407/22
`G08C17/02
`
`H04M11/00
`
`Intt
`
`tonal Application No
`
`PCT/US 99/06429
`
`According to international Patent Classification (M30) or to both national classification and H30
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`IPC 6
`H040
`H04M G08C
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and. where practical. search terms used)
`
`C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`Category ‘
`
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`Relevant to claim No
`
`1-19
`
`US 5 719 918 A (SERBETCIOUGLU BEKIR
`AL) 17 February 1998 (1998-02-17)
`column 5,
`line 57 — column 6,
`line 67
`column 14,
`line 59 - column 15,
`line 48
`
`ET
`
`DE 297 17 504 U (HELICOM ENTWICKLUNGSGES)
`11 December 1997 (1997-12-11)
`page 1,
`line 19 - page 2,
`line 39
`
`EP 0 645 941 A (SEL ALCATEL AG ;ALCATEL NV
`(NL)) 29 March 1995 (1995-03-29)
`column 3,
`iine 50 - column 5,
`line 56
`
`_
`
`_/__
`
`Further documents are listed in the continuation of box C.
`° Special categories of cited documents :
`
`"A" document defining the general state of the art which is not
`considered to be of particular relevance
`
`"E" earlier document but published on or after the international
`filing date
`"L“ document which may throw doubts on priority claimlsl or
`which is cited to establish the publication date of another
`°"a"°" °' othef spew“ ream” (as specmed)
`‘
`‘
`"0" document referring to an oral disclosure. use, exhibition or
`other means
`"P“ document published prior to the international
`later than the priority date claimed
`Date of the actual completion of the international search
`
`filing date but
`
`14 July 1999
`Name and mailing address of the ISA
`European Patent Office. PB. 5618 Patentlaan 2
`NL - 2280 HV Rilswilk
`Tel. (+31-70) 340-2040, Tx. 31 651 epo nl,
`Fax: (+3140) 3403015
`Form PCT/|SA12t0 (second sheetl (July 1992)
`
`Patent family members are listed in annex.
`_
`_
`_
`“T" later document published afterthe international filing date
`or priority date and not in conflict with the application but
`cited to understand the principle ortheory underlying the
`invention
`
`lIXll document of pamcwar relevance. the claimed invention
`‘
`cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to
`involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone
`llYIl document of pamcular reyevance. the claimed invention
`cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the
`document is combined with one or more other such docu-
`ments. such combination being obvious to a person skilled
`'" the an’
`"&“ document member of the same patent family
`Date of mailing of the international search report
`
`20/07/1999
`Authorized officer
`
`Pham» P
`
`page 1
`
`sfEiiRA VV|RELESS1003/028
`
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`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`Inte
`
`.onal Appflcation No
`
`PCT/US 99/06429
`
`Cttcontinuation) DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`Category ‘
`Citation of document, with ir1dication,whe-re appropriate. or‘ the relevant passages
`
`Relevant to cram No.
`
`NO 95 24791 A (BELLSOUTH CORP)
`14 September 1995 (1995-09-14)
`
`line 13 - page 16, 1ine 34
`page 13,
`page 34, 11ne 32 - page 35, 1ine 35
`
`Form PCT/ISA/'210(continualion of second sheet) (July 1992)
`
`page 2 sEHRAvwRELEss1oo3/029
`
`SIERRA WIRELESS 1003 / 029
`
`

`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`Information on patent family members
`
`Patent document
`cxted in Search report
`
`Publication
`date
`
`US 5719918
`
`A
`
`17-02-1998
`
`anal Application No
`lnle.
`1
`§ PCT/US 99/06429
`Publication
`Patent family
`member(s)
`
`NO 9524791
`
`A
`
`14-09-1995
`
`5546444
`682208
`7555594
`9408553
`2185230
`1145711
`0753230
`10500262
`271792
`5526401
`5794144
`
`13-08-1996
`25-09-1997
`25-09-1995
`19-08-1997
`14-09-1995
`19-03-1997
`15-01-1997
`06-01-1998
`29-01-1997
`11-06-1996
`11-08-1998
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (patent family annex) (July 1992)
`
`SIERRA WIRELESS 1003 /030
`
`SIERRA WIRELESS 1003 / 030